Eugene ‘Gene’ William McPhetres, age 85 of River Falls, formerly of Hudson, passed away January 9, 2012 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Wabasha, MN. Gene was born on December 13, 1926 in Houlton, WI to William and Genovia (Ellison) McPhetres. Gene graduated from Stillwater High School in 1944. Gene grew up on the family farm in Houlton. He worked for Northwestern Bell and retired after 31 years in 1988. He was united in marriage to his first love, Bette Wert on August 31, 1957. They were blessed with 5 children: James, Mary, Lori, Sara, and Mark. After Bette’s passing, Gene was united in marriage to Joan Volk with her daughter Jennifer. After Joan’s passing, Gene was united in marriage to Beverly Henne and her children: Kim, Brian, Patti, and Jeff. Family was everything to Gene and he treasured his time with his children and their families. Gene enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling until his last days. Gene will be dearly missed by his loving companion, Mary Flynn of Wabasha, MN; his children, James (Debbie) McPhetres, Mary McPhetres, Lori (Brian) Halverson, Sara McPhetres (Kirk Green), Mark McPhetres, Kim Kolashinski, Patti (Steve) Miggler, Brian (Tina) Henne, Jeff Henne and Jennifer Aubin; sister, Jeanette Nerby of Somerset; 17 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; as well as extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Katy Blehm; wives, Bette, Joan, and Bev. Visitation will take place from 4:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday, January 12, 2012 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson and one hour prior to the service at church.  Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, January 13, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1205 Sixth St., Hudson, with Pastor Tim Booth officiating.  Private interment will take place at Fairview Cemetery of Stillwater.